Getting a Passport in Union, MO: Forms, Facilities Guide

Getting a Passport in Union, MO

Nestled in Franklin County, Union, MO (ZIP 63084), offers quick drives to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (45 minutes) for global connections, the Ozarks for Branson shows and lake trips, and Mississippi River cruises—fueling passport demand among families, business travelers, and high school exchange students. Peaks hit spring break, summer vacations, fall leaf-peeping, and winter escapes, with local reports of Union Post Office appointments booking out 4-6 weeks ahead last summer amid a 20% regional uptick in applications. Franklin County Clerk users often cite shorter lines as a backup during USPS rushes. Standard processing runs 6-8 weeks routine or 2-3 expedited; plan 8-12 weeks total to dodge backlogs. Pitfalls like non-compliant photos (e.g., glare from home lighting, smiles wider than neutral, or hats), missing original birth certificates, or parental consent gaps for minors cause 25%+ rejections. This guide delivers tailored decisions, checklists, timelines, and facility expectations for seamless success.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Missouri follows federal rules, but Union-area surges demand precise choices to minimize trips. Use this streamlined table:

Decision Flow: First passport/renewal-ineligible? DS-11. Eligible + no urgency? DS-82 mail. Travel soon? Expedite ($60+) and book facility early. Verify originals—no photocopies for citi

zenship. Download checklists from travel.state.gov.

First-Time Applicants

Opt for DS-11 if new, child-issued prior, >15 years expired, name changed, or lost/damaged. Quick check: Prior passport <15 years and adult-issued? Renew instead.

Union-Specific Steps:

1. Print unsigned DS-11 from travel.state.gov.
2. Originals: Missouri birth certificate (vital records), ID (MO driver's license + secondary), 2x2 photos (CVS/Walgreens/AAA in Union).
3. In-person at Franklin County facility; search by ZIP 63084.
4. Agent witnesses signature; expect 20-45 min review, payment, receipt.

What to expect: Arrive 15 min early; agent verifies docs/photos, you sign/pay, they seal for State Dept. No on-site printing—pre-prep essential. Track post-submission.

Top Errors: Blurry photos (use pro service), no name-change proof (marriage cert), minor consent missing.

Renewals

DS-82 by mail if eligible (adult-issued <15 years ago, undamaged, name matches). Simpler for Union remote workers avoiding drives. Pitfall: Strict criteria—review state.gov to prevent return mail delays amid MO peaks.

Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

Immediate Action: Local Union police report (keep number); DS-64 online (15 min). Halts fraud.

Form Decision:

Photos/ID/fees as above; 6-8 weeks routine. Pro tip: Franklin County travelers mail DS-82 from home post-report, bypassing lines.

Additional Passports or Name Changes

Frequent flyers (e.g., STL-Europe routes) request second book via DS-82 if eligible—mail old passport. Name changes: Attach certified originals (MO vital records for marriage/divorce). Decision: Mail-eligible? DS-82. Else DS-11. Anecdote: Local business owner avoided St. Louis agency rush by attaching court order to mailed renewal.

For Minors Under 16

DS-11 in-person always; both parents or DS-3053. Franklin County student programs (e.g., Germany exchanges) spike needs—order MO birth cert early ($15 via VitalChek). Expect dual parental ID verification; 20-30% longer appointments.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Union and Franklin County

High demand fills slots fast—book 4-6 weeks ahead. Verify via official tools:

[USPS Locator (ZIP 63084)](https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=p

assport&searchRadius=20&addressZip=63084) | State Dept Search

Examples:

• Union Post Office: 15 E Locust St, Union, MO 63084. Photos available (call 636-583-3131); summer waits averaged 3 weeks per recent reviews.
• Franklin County Clerk's Office: 400 E Locust St #105, Union, MO 63084. DS-11 focus; quieter alternative.

Washington, MO (15 mi) or St. Louis (45 min) for backups. Expect: Greeted at desk, doc review in private booth, 30-min process.

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Unsigned DS-11.
2. Original citizenship proof + photocopy (MO vital records).
3. Photo ID + photocopy (REAL ID ideal).
4. Two 2x2 photos (neutral expression, 1-1⅜" head; no glare—$15 at Walgreens).
5. Fees: $35 execution + $130 adult/$100 child book; expedited $60.
6. Appointment confirmed.
7. At facility: Sign/pay; get receipt/tracking #.

Printable:

• All above
• Minor extras (DS-3053 if needed)
• Extras for backups (birth cert cert copy)

Special Considerations for Missouri Residents

Photos: 20-30% rejections—pro shots only; state.gov tool checks compliance. Vital Records: health.mo.gov or VitalChek ($15-30 expedited); 4-6 week lead for births. Minors: Custody docs if stepparent; exchanges demand early starts.

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8 weeks mail, 10-13 in-person (MO peaks +2-4 weeks). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent <14 days: STL Agency appointment only (itinerary/proof). Track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov. Warning: No guarantees—local anecdote: Family missed Ozarks cruise due to unforeseen backlog.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. DS-82 + old passport + photos.
3. $130 book fee (check to U.S. Dept of State); expedited +$60.
4. Certified mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
5. Track online.

FAQs

Advance planning for Union peaks? 3-6 months; 10-13 weeks routine. Post office photos? Yes, confirm 636-583-3131. Child exchange program? Both parents/DS-3053; MO birth cert. Expedited guarantees? Faster, not instant—agency for true emergencies. Renewal denied? Switch to DS-11. Birth cert? VitalChek/MO DOSS. Track status? passportstatus.state.gov post-7 days. Photo rejections? Size, lighting, expression.

Sources

[1] Passports - How to Apply
[2] Apply In Person
[3] Ren

ew Adult Passport
[4] Lost/Stolen
[5] Children Under 16
[6] Facility Search
[7] USPS Passports
[8] Franklin County Clerk
[9] ID Requirements
[10] Photo Requirements
[11] Status Check
[12] DS-3053
[13] MO Vital Records
[14] Processing Times
[15] Urgent Travel